Why bother?

[Madeleine]

Why bother asking about arrival times, sending out reminder emails that include the arrival time the guest selected since they all just show up whenever?
One 3pm arrival just rolled in (almost 10pm), 2 others showed up at 1 pm (and complained at 3 pm that no one answered the door at 1 pm), one with a package showed up 2 hours early so it wasn't ready for them.
Yes, the 3pm check-in sign was out. Did it stop the doorbell ringers? Nope. They also called on the phone while sitting in the car.

 

[Hillbilly]

HaHa. Im sitting here in reading this in the office waiting on a check in that was suppose to arrive at 4pm. They just called and said it would be after 10:30. I'm printing out a note. Its been a long day and I'm ready for bed!
I hear your pain well!!!

 

[charlie may]

@#$%^&*)__)(&^%#!@#^UIO!

 

[happykeeper]

Why bother? .... because it successfully manages the vast majority of guests behavior. There will always be those times that stretch our time or catch us off guard, but without prepping our guests in advance... those times would be far more frequent.

 

[Skamokawa]

Got a phone call while still at (other) work, 9am-ish "We're on our way from the airport. Looks like nobody stopped over last night. Can we come early?"
"Sorry, I wont' be there for a few hours." I told them where a secure place is they could stash their luggage. When I did get home, they hadn't been there, or if they had, did not leave luggage. They came a bit after normal check in time, and were very friendly. Fortunately no complaints. They had checked the online calendar, and saw we had no guests last night. It was an ask, not a demand. Maybe in a rural area, people are more aware that many of us pay our way by wearing several hats.

 

[Stu]

Our check in time is 2-6pm, if guests want to arrive late there is no problem we just ask them what time. Last week they emailed and said arrival between 9-10pm, they eventually arrived at 1.00am (i will repeat that 1am). Needless to say they didn't get the warm arrival or the welcome drink!

 

[gillumhouse]

Last week I had motorcycle guests who called from an hour away to let us know all was well and where they were because it was close to the end of my check-in time and they did not want me to worry.
As it was supper time when they arrived and I had made veggie soup (cheap & a cool spell), we rewarded them by inviting them to veggie soup & biscuits (made real ones for us & DH got his "hockey pucks"). They are due back on their return trip Monday night.

 

[MtnKeeper]

Yes, the 3pm check-in sign was out. Did it stop the doorbell ringers? Nope. They also called on the phone while sitting in the car.

My sign says "I'm running errands to get ready for your visit. I'll see you at 3pm for check-in. Thanks." They never call to see if they can get in because the sign says that I'm not here!!!!!

 

[Madeleine]

Yes, the 3pm check-in sign was out. Did it stop the doorbell ringers? Nope. They also called on the phone while sitting in the car.

My sign says "I'm running errands to get ready for your visit. I'll see you at 3pm for check-in. Thanks." They never call to see if they can get in because the sign says that I'm not here!!!!!.

I've been in the kitchen trying to finish everything up and I've heard this from outside: Ring the bell again. Someone has to be there. Where else would they be???
And I've heard those same people tell the next car: You try. I'm sure someone is in there. They just won't answer the door! They don't even answer the phone!
It's a certain kind of person...
And that same person from yesterday then gave me grief both yesterday and again this morning that no one was here at 1pm to let them in. They 'wasted' their day waiting for us. What?!?

 

[MtnKeeper]

Yes, the 3pm check-in sign was out. Did it stop the doorbell ringers? Nope. They also called on the phone while sitting in the car.

My sign says "I'm running errands to get ready for your visit. I'll see you at 3pm for check-in. Thanks." They never call to see if they can get in because the sign says that I'm not here!!!!!.

I've been in the kitchen trying to finish everything up and I've heard this from outside: Ring the bell again. Someone has to be there. Where else would they be???
And I've heard those same people tell the next car: You try. I'm sure someone is in there. They just won't answer the door! They don't even answer the phone!
It's a certain kind of person...
And that same person from yesterday then gave me grief both yesterday and again this morning that no one was here at 1pm to let them in. They 'wasted' their day waiting for us. What?!?
.

… the reason people leave innkeeping - I'd never let my kids be innkeepers, they don't need the rude people in their lives.

 

[Breakfast Diva]

Yes, the 3pm check-in sign was out. Did it stop the doorbell ringers? Nope. They also called on the phone while sitting in the car.

My sign says "I'm running errands to get ready for your visit. I'll see you at 3pm for check-in. Thanks." They never call to see if they can get in because the sign says that I'm not here!!!!!.

I've been in the kitchen trying to finish everything up and I've heard this from outside: Ring the bell again. Someone has to be there. Where else would they be???
And I've heard those same people tell the next car: You try. I'm sure someone is in there. They just won't answer the door! They don't even answer the phone!
It's a certain kind of person...
And that same person from yesterday then gave me grief both yesterday and again this morning that no one was here at 1pm to let them in. They 'wasted' their day waiting for us. What?!?
.

My sign goes over the doorbell. They'll never find it that way.

 

[Madeleine]

Yes, the 3pm check-in sign was out. Did it stop the doorbell ringers? Nope. They also called on the phone while sitting in the car.

My sign says "I'm running errands to get ready for your visit. I'll see you at 3pm for check-in. Thanks." They never call to see if they can get in because the sign says that I'm not here!!!!!.

I've been in the kitchen trying to finish everything up and I've heard this from outside: Ring the bell again. Someone has to be there. Where else would they be???
And I've heard those same people tell the next car: You try. I'm sure someone is in there. They just won't answer the door! They don't even answer the phone!
It's a certain kind of person...
And that same person from yesterday then gave me grief both yesterday and again this morning that no one was here at 1pm to let them in. They 'wasted' their day waiting for us. What?!?
.

My sign goes over the doorbell. They'll never find it that way.
.

My sign goes over the doorbell. They'll never find it that way.

I forgot to remove the doorbell sign. No one finds the doorbell without the sign pointing to it. I was in a rush.

 

[Flower]

Last week I had motorcycle guests who called from an hour away to let us know all was well and where they were because it was close to the end of my check-in time and they did not want me to worry.
As it was supper time when they arrived and I had made veggie soup (cheap & a cool spell), we rewarded them by inviting them to veggie soup & biscuits (made real ones for us & DH got his "hockey pucks"). They are due back on their return trip Monday night..

I had a guest the other day . that phoned at few mins past the hours of check in. Told us where he was. I told him if that was where he was. He was well aware that it will take him 3 hours to get here and that would make it after 9. I said sorry but as,we told you in the confirmation we do not take guests after 8 . But there is rare times we will take some one in at 9Pm. Then he said well what happens when I don't arrive at your time will you refund my money and will I have a room the next day. I said you know no one has put us in that position before.
Funny he did arrive two hours late. Not 3 hours late. People when you agree to our policy then Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Gesh! where he lives to our house is 8 or 9 hour drive. And yes it is the long weekend and traffic is a lot. But our other guest manage to come here on time and from a farther place.
So the next day we had a chat . Why we have the hours of check in times that we do
I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.
.Side line: ( This one night we were asked to go down the street for a neighbor hood gathering.) But being they were so late we had to once again not go. Sounds harsh! But our neighbours don't understand either why we don't join in and come along. As a result we are seldom asked any more to join in. So in 15 years we really don't know any one well.To bad so sad but that is life.

 

[JBloggs]

Last week I had motorcycle guests who called from an hour away to let us know all was well and where they were because it was close to the end of my check-in time and they did not want me to worry.
As it was supper time when they arrived and I had made veggie soup (cheap & a cool spell), we rewarded them by inviting them to veggie soup & biscuits (made real ones for us & DH got his "hockey pucks"). They are due back on their return trip Monday night..

I had a guest the other day . that phoned at few mins past the hours of check in. Told us where he was. I told him if that was where he was. He was well aware that it will take him 3 hours to get here and that would make it after 9. I said sorry but as,we told you in the confirmation we do not take guests after 8 . But there is rare times we will take some one in at 9Pm. Then he said well what happens when I don't arrive at your time will you refund my money and will I have a room the next day. I said you know no one has put us in that position before.
Funny he did arrive two hours late. Not 3 hours late. People when you agree to our policy then Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Gesh! where he lives to our house is 8 or 9 hour drive. And yes it is the long weekend and traffic is a lot. But our other guest manage to come here on time and from a farther place.
So the next day we had a chat . Why we have the hours of check in times that we do
I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.
.Side line: ( This one night we were asked to go down the street for a neighbor hood gathering.) But being they were so late we had to once again not go. Sounds harsh! But our neighbours don't understand either why we don't join in and come along. As a result we are seldom asked any more to join in. So in 15 years we really don't know any one well.To bad so sad but that is life.
.

I had a guest the other day . that phoned at few mins past the hours of check in. Told us where he was. I told him if that was where he was. He was well aware that it will take him 3 hours to get here and that would make it after 9. I said sorry but as,we told you in the confirmation we do not take guests after 8 . But there is rare times we will take some one in at 9Pm. Then he said well what happens when I don't arrive at your time will you refund my money and will I have a room the next day. I said you know no one has put us in that position before.
Funny he did arrive two hours late. Not 3 hours late. People when you agree to our policy then Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Gesh! where he lives to our house is 8 or 9 hour drive. And yes it is the long weekend and traffic is a lot. But our other guest manage to come here on time and from a farther place.
So the next day we had a chat . Why we have the hours of check in times that we do
I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.
.Side line: ( This one night we were asked to go down the street for a neighbor hood gathering.) But being they were so late we had to once again not go. Sounds harsh! But our neighbours don't understand either why we don't join in and come along. As a result we are seldom asked any more to join in. So in 15 years we really don't know any one well.To bad so sad but that is life.

Make a change.
Get a self check-in in place so you can go and do things. We have guests arriving after 9pm from time to time, especially after DC gridlock traffic on a Friday night, or an accident on I-81.
If I had or did wait on every guest to check in I would personally detest many of them.
I know that when we travel, it affords us a better view into what happens when you travel.
When I was on the innspiring road trip we were almost constantly late and we ran a tight ship, believe me, and driving many many hours to each place. The reason is that each inn where we stopped wanted us to stay longer and it was hard to break away. Plus it was wintertime, so the driving itself was much more intense with snow and ice and cold temps. But that is what travel is all about, you can make plans, but they are just that, plans and subject to change at times. So trying to get somewhere in 4 hours may end up taking 6.

 

[Aussie Innkeeper]

I have an innkeeper friend out the Lynchburg, VA way who, in her confirmation letter and her follow-up (3-days ahead of check-in date) letter mentions the 'Late check-in fee'. So, as to avoid this fee, you must call if your check-in time is going to be within 30 minutes of the check-in time you previously stated.
She says that people are used to these late fees...you pay a fee if you're late picking up your kid from daycare or your dog from the kennel. Of course, she says with a grin, that such fee does not really exist. But it has worked wonders in cutting down on the late arrivals.

 

[happykeeper]

I have an innkeeper friend out the Lynchburg, VA way who, in her confirmation letter and her follow-up (3-days ahead of check-in date) letter mentions the 'Late check-in fee'. So, as to avoid this fee, you must call if your check-in time is going to be within 30 minutes of the check-in time you previously stated.
She says that people are used to these late fees...you pay a fee if you're late picking up your kid from daycare or your dog from the kennel. Of course, she says with a grin, that such fee does not really exist. But it has worked wonders in cutting down on the late arrivals..

That's why we have fees for a few things. It rarely gets used, but it makes people follow a rule to avoid the fee. Makes a big difference. If you are like us (don't like to spend needlessly) it is a reminder to review the rules in advance.

 

[Breakfast Diva]

Last week I had motorcycle guests who called from an hour away to let us know all was well and where they were because it was close to the end of my check-in time and they did not want me to worry.
As it was supper time when they arrived and I had made veggie soup (cheap & a cool spell), we rewarded them by inviting them to veggie soup & biscuits (made real ones for us & DH got his "hockey pucks"). They are due back on their return trip Monday night..

I had a guest the other day . that phoned at few mins past the hours of check in. Told us where he was. I told him if that was where he was. He was well aware that it will take him 3 hours to get here and that would make it after 9. I said sorry but as,we told you in the confirmation we do not take guests after 8 . But there is rare times we will take some one in at 9Pm. Then he said well what happens when I don't arrive at your time will you refund my money and will I have a room the next day. I said you know no one has put us in that position before.
Funny he did arrive two hours late. Not 3 hours late. People when you agree to our policy then Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Gesh! where he lives to our house is 8 or 9 hour drive. And yes it is the long weekend and traffic is a lot. But our other guest manage to come here on time and from a farther place.
So the next day we had a chat . Why we have the hours of check in times that we do
I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.
.Side line: ( This one night we were asked to go down the street for a neighbor hood gathering.) But being they were so late we had to once again not go. Sounds harsh! But our neighbours don't understand either why we don't join in and come along. As a result we are seldom asked any more to join in. So in 15 years we really don't know any one well.To bad so sad but that is life.
.

I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.

No, what will happen is that he will book a hotel. This is one of the many reasons why DH and I choose to stay in hotels when on a road trip. If there is something interesting along the way, I want to dilly dally. I will probably never be in that same area again and I just don't want to feel obligated to get to a b&b at a certain time and not enjoy the travel along the way
Late self check-ins make for happier guests as well as innkeepers.

 

[gillumhouse]

Last week I had motorcycle guests who called from an hour away to let us know all was well and where they were because it was close to the end of my check-in time and they did not want me to worry.
As it was supper time when they arrived and I had made veggie soup (cheap & a cool spell), we rewarded them by inviting them to veggie soup & biscuits (made real ones for us & DH got his "hockey pucks"). They are due back on their return trip Monday night..

I had a guest the other day . that phoned at few mins past the hours of check in. Told us where he was. I told him if that was where he was. He was well aware that it will take him 3 hours to get here and that would make it after 9. I said sorry but as,we told you in the confirmation we do not take guests after 8 . But there is rare times we will take some one in at 9Pm. Then he said well what happens when I don't arrive at your time will you refund my money and will I have a room the next day. I said you know no one has put us in that position before.
Funny he did arrive two hours late. Not 3 hours late. People when you agree to our policy then Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Gesh! where he lives to our house is 8 or 9 hour drive. And yes it is the long weekend and traffic is a lot. But our other guest manage to come here on time and from a farther place.
So the next day we had a chat . Why we have the hours of check in times that we do
I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.
.Side line: ( This one night we were asked to go down the street for a neighbor hood gathering.) But being they were so late we had to once again not go. Sounds harsh! But our neighbours don't understand either why we don't join in and come along. As a result we are seldom asked any more to join in. So in 15 years we really don't know any one well.To bad so sad but that is life.
.

I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.

No, what will happen is that he will book a hotel. This is one of the many reasons why DH and I choose to stay in hotels when on a road trip. If there is something interesting along the way, I want to dilly dally. I will probably never be in that same area again and I just don't want to feel obligated to get to a b&b at a certain time and not enjoy the travel along the way
Late self check-ins make for happier guests as well as innkeepers.
.

When I arrived at the bride's apartment having been given only an address and phone number, my friend greeted me with happiness and surprise. The bride's Dad, knowing I had not called for directions, asked it I had trouble finding he place. My friend looked at him and said, "Oh, I am not surprised she found us, I am surprised she is here and it is not Midnight!" She went on to explain my penchant for finding things to see. (Between Dallas/FT Worth and Abilene There is NOTHING)
I totally understand the dilly and dally.

 

[BananaE29]

Last week I had motorcycle guests who called from an hour away to let us know all was well and where they were because it was close to the end of my check-in time and they did not want me to worry.
As it was supper time when they arrived and I had made veggie soup (cheap & a cool spell), we rewarded them by inviting them to veggie soup & biscuits (made real ones for us & DH got his "hockey pucks"). They are due back on their return trip Monday night..

I had a guest the other day . that phoned at few mins past the hours of check in. Told us where he was. I told him if that was where he was. He was well aware that it will take him 3 hours to get here and that would make it after 9. I said sorry but as,we told you in the confirmation we do not take guests after 8 . But there is rare times we will take some one in at 9Pm. Then he said well what happens when I don't arrive at your time will you refund my money and will I have a room the next day. I said you know no one has put us in that position before.
Funny he did arrive two hours late. Not 3 hours late. People when you agree to our policy then Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Gesh! where he lives to our house is 8 or 9 hour drive. And yes it is the long weekend and traffic is a lot. But our other guest manage to come here on time and from a farther place.
So the next day we had a chat . Why we have the hours of check in times that we do
I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.
.Side line: ( This one night we were asked to go down the street for a neighbor hood gathering.) But being they were so late we had to once again not go. Sounds harsh! But our neighbours don't understand either why we don't join in and come along. As a result we are seldom asked any more to join in. So in 15 years we really don't know any one well.To bad so sad but that is life.
.

I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.

No, what will happen is that he will book a hotel. This is one of the many reasons why DH and I choose to stay in hotels when on a road trip. If there is something interesting along the way, I want to dilly dally. I will probably never be in that same area again and I just don't want to feel obligated to get to a b&b at a certain time and not enjoy the travel along the way
Late self check-ins make for happier guests as well as innkeepers.
.

I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.

No, what will happen is that he will book a hotel.
Late self check-ins make for happier guests as well as innkeepers.

Good Lord, YES! Keep your guests happy by accommodating their schedule! They're on vacation! State your check in times everywhere you can - if you have to, call them on the day of their reservation and ask them for an estimated time of arrival. Tell them as the day progresses, if they think that time will change, to please call you. If they know that they will be past your check in time, arrange a self check in! It's so simple! This will change your life, I promise you. No stressing like you're doing. And no pi$$ing off the guest because you're grumpy with them.

I just can not imagine the conversation that took place with this guest and how he must have felt like a chastised child because they were enjoying their time away from the stresses of life...only to come to their "home away from home" and feel more stress. I'm sorry if this comes across harsh, but it irks me that this person (and everyone he speaks to of this experience) will not stay at a B&B in the future because they had to follow someone else's time frame.

 

[Flower]

Last week I had motorcycle guests who called from an hour away to let us know all was well and where they were because it was close to the end of my check-in time and they did not want me to worry.
As it was supper time when they arrived and I had made veggie soup (cheap & a cool spell), we rewarded them by inviting them to veggie soup & biscuits (made real ones for us & DH got his "hockey pucks"). They are due back on their return trip Monday night..

I had a guest the other day . that phoned at few mins past the hours of check in. Told us where he was. I told him if that was where he was. He was well aware that it will take him 3 hours to get here and that would make it after 9. I said sorry but as,we told you in the confirmation we do not take guests after 8 . But there is rare times we will take some one in at 9Pm. Then he said well what happens when I don't arrive at your time will you refund my money and will I have a room the next day. I said you know no one has put us in that position before.
Funny he did arrive two hours late. Not 3 hours late. People when you agree to our policy then Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Gesh! where he lives to our house is 8 or 9 hour drive. And yes it is the long weekend and traffic is a lot. But our other guest manage to come here on time and from a farther place.
So the next day we had a chat . Why we have the hours of check in times that we do
I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.
.Side line: ( This one night we were asked to go down the street for a neighbor hood gathering.) But being they were so late we had to once again not go. Sounds harsh! But our neighbours don't understand either why we don't join in and come along. As a result we are seldom asked any more to join in. So in 15 years we really don't know any one well.To bad so sad but that is life.
.

I had a guest the other day . that phoned at few mins past the hours of check in. Told us where he was. I told him if that was where he was. He was well aware that it will take him 3 hours to get here and that would make it after 9. I said sorry but as,we told you in the confirmation we do not take guests after 8 . But there is rare times we will take some one in at 9Pm. Then he said well what happens when I don't arrive at your time will you refund my money and will I have a room the next day. I said you know no one has put us in that position before.
Funny he did arrive two hours late. Not 3 hours late. People when you agree to our policy then Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Gesh! where he lives to our house is 8 or 9 hour drive. And yes it is the long weekend and traffic is a lot. But our other guest manage to come here on time and from a farther place.
So the next day we had a chat . Why we have the hours of check in times that we do
I think the next time he will be at a B&B on time. Found out through chatting they were not caught in traffic like he said they were just dilly dallying.
.Side line: ( This one night we were asked to go down the street for a neighbor hood gathering.) But being they were so late we had to once again not go. Sounds harsh! But our neighbours don't understand either why we don't join in and come along. As a result we are seldom asked any more to join in. So in 15 years we really don't know any one well.To bad so sad but that is life.

Make a change.
Get a self check-in in place so you can go and do things. We have guests arriving after 9pm from time to time, especially after DC gridlock traffic on a Friday night, or an accident on I-81.
If I had or did wait on every guest to check in I would personally detest many of them.
I know that when we travel, it affords us a better view into what happens when you travel.
When I was on the innspiring road trip we were almost constantly late and we ran a tight ship, believe me, and driving many many hours to each place. The reason is that each inn where we stopped wanted us to stay longer and it was hard to break away. Plus it was wintertime, so the driving itself was much more intense with snow and ice and cold temps. But that is what travel is all about, you can make plans, but they are just that, plans and subject to change at times. So trying to get somewhere in 4 hours may end up taking 6.
.

Sorry but self check in can not be done. It is impossible. Also late check in does not work for other guest. As it is disruptive for them. They can hear clumping of feet and chatting. Some get up set . We cannot change that either as we have had a special pad laid down to buffer the noise between floors.
He was not grump guest . I was not grump with him either so there! He has written us a wonderful review.
Raving about our breakfast and all the comforts and extras we provide. We have enjoyed him a lot. So I guess it was not as bad as you all think it was!
We have a wine fest this fall and he and his wife will be here again in Oct. He has booked it with his son and wife joining in on our breakfast. Now last night was a win .He has really enjoyed our wee town and all that is around .
We have enjoyed them also they have been great guests.